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Experts call for more visible policing on UAE roadways

Experts have called for more visible police enforcement of traffic rules to curb fatal crashes on UAE roads.

Two people were killed and one was injured in an accident involving two pick-ups on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. Experts say that more visible policing could help prevent fatal accidents. Courtesy Dubai Police

Motorists in this region tend to have a “pushy” style of driving, according to Mr Hodges.

“Everybody has to hurry in the shops, on the pavement and on the road, and that applies to people behind the wheel,” he said.

“People don’t take the time and trouble to get there safely.” Dino Kalivas, chairman of driver education and training at the International Road Federation (IRF), called for more education to improve drivers’ behaviour on the road.

“Distracted driving, speeding, sudden lane changes, tailgating, and not wearing seat belts are behaviours that require concerted efforts to change,” he said. “Drivers can learn road rules and the mechanics of driving easily but the behavioural aspects are not developed enough.”

Mr Hodges said driving required motorists’ full focus at all times.

Studies showed that using a mobile phone while driving, even with a hands-free device, increased the likelihood of a crash four-fold.

“If you’re using an ordinary hand-held phone you’re 22 times more likely to have an accident,” he said.

“When you’re looking at your smartphone and using it for social networking while driving, you’re 40 times more likely to get into a crash.”

Driving is a privilege, not a right, according to Phil Clarke, a principal road safety consultant at Transport Research Laboratory UAE.

“You should be concentrating on your driving, not trying to send texts, make phone calls, look around and get distracted by children leaping about because they’re not restrained.”

People without the emotional stability to drive a vehicle should not be allowed on the roads, said Michael Dreznes, IRF’s executive vice president.

“Every effort must be made to remove the bad drivers to make the roads safer for the remaining drivers who obey the rules, and have the physical and mental abilities, common sense and the emotional stability to safely operate a vehicle,” he said.